The
rate of child poverty in the United States is more than double that in most developed
countries. Critics of welfare and other social programs say government spending
doesn't solve poverty. But neither has economic growth. After the longest peace-time
expansion in American history, one in five American children is growing up poor.

There's mounting
evidence that poverty is not just a condition; it's often a trap. Children who
grow up poor are more likely to get sick, more likely to die, and far more likely
to fail in school - especially if they've suffered extreme poverty before the
age of six.

"The Forgotten
14 Million" explores why both government and the free market are failing
the most vulnerable young Americans.

Talk back in the MPR Forum! How would you address child poverty? Should the government be more involved, or Americans more self-reliant? Answer these questions or ask your own on our interactive bulletin board.

Major funding for American RadioWorks is provided by the Corporation
for Public Broadcasting and the Florence and John Schumann Foundation.